Calories on the menu: MP backs study into restaurant labelling
Restaurants in Bahrain could eventually be required to provide calorie information for meals, under a system currently being studied following a directive from His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports.
Ahmed Al Salloom, Chairman of the Council of Representatives' Financial and Economic Affairs Committee, welcomed the directive, describing it as an important step towards promoting nutritional awareness and helping consumers make informed choices based on their health needs.
He said studying the regulatory, supervisory and legal aspects of the proposed system would help establish a practical framework that ensures the accuracy of nutritional information and compliance by food establishments.
Al Salloom said calorie disclosure could benefit people with diabetes, obesity and other chronic conditions, as well as those who follow specific diets or exercise regularly. He added that greater transparency could encourage healthier eating habits and support national prevention efforts.
The initiative could also encourage restaurants to review their ingredients, portion sizes and menus, while developing healthier options. According to Al Salloom, this could strengthen consumer confidence and create a competitive advantage for establishments that demonstrate transparency and quality.
Al Salloom said he had previously submitted a proposal requiring restaurants to disclose the calorie content of each meal, based on consumers' right to know the nutritional value of the food they purchase.
He suggested that accredited specialist companies could calculate calorie values and verify their accuracy, while relevant government authorities would oversee regulation and compliance.
The latest directive, he said, could provide fresh momentum for developing the proposal into a comprehensive system based on scientific standards and practical oversight.
Modern technology could also play a role, with digital menus, QR codes and food delivery applications offering consumers clear and accessible nutritional information before they place an order.
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